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Microchipping

Microchipping

Microchipping is a permanent way of identifying your pet. The tiny chip has a unique number and is implanted under the animal’s skin at the back of the neck. It can be scanned using a special reader.

It is a legal requirement to get your dog or cat microchipped and registered on a database.

Your dog must be microchipped and registered by the time they’re eight weeks old.

Your cat must be microchipped and registered by the time they’re 20 weeks old. This includes cats that usually only stay indoors.

If you fail to get your pet microchipped and registered on a database, you could be fined up to £500.

Cost

Prices vary between £10 and £30. Only a trained professional, such as a vet, can fit your dog or cat with a microchip. Some animal charities and organisations also offer microchipping. 

Updating your details

Microchipping is only effective if you keep your details up to date. If you move house or change your telephone number you must make sure you tell the database you’re registered with. Find out which database your pet’s microchip is registered with.

Transferring ownership of a microchipped pet

If you’ve become the new owner of a pet that already has a microchip, you will need to contact the relevant microchip database and complete a transfer of ownership form. The new owner is responsible for ensuring the details are updated. Find out which database your pet’s microchip is registered with.

Council tenants

All Council tenants are required to have their pets microchipped and registered with the Tenancy Team before permission is given to keep a pet. For more details, please read our  Pet Policy (PDF 268KB).

Other benefits of microchips

Microchip access flaps

A microchip flap can stop other animals (other than your own) from entering your home. You can programme it so that it only recognises your pet’s microchip, allowing them to enter your home. If you own more than one pet, you can register them all to the same access flap so they can enter your home through the same entrance.

Microchip food bowl

A microchip food bowl uses your pet’s microchip to control their access to food. This is ideal if you own multiple pets that require different or special diets or if you suspect that other pets or animal visitors are eating your pet's food.

More information

There is more information on microchipping on the Government website.

Page Last Updated: Monday, 19 August 2024 at 09:48 AM